Team

Diann Rowat

Owner, Licensed Funeral Director

Diann started in the funeral industry after spending 25 years in Nursing with the last 15 of them being in Home Care and Palliative Care. Diann graduated from Mount Royal College in 1998 with Academic Excellence in Funeral Directing. She has worked at Personal Alternative Funeral Services since graduating and purchased the company in 2003. She takes great pride in dealing with families and ensuring that all of their needs have been met. She is a Member of both the Airdrie and Didsbury Chamber of Commerce. In Diann’s spare time she enjoys wine making, golfing, camping and trips to the family farm where her brothers Dyce and David Bolduc run 500 Head of Registered Black Angus. Time spent with her 4 grandchildren is always special.

Crissinda Rowat-Black

Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer

Crissinda graduated from Eckville Senior High School in 2000 and Western School of Funeral Service in May of 2001. She has been fortunate enough to have learned embalming from her father, Calvin. She became the manager of the family business in December 2009. She continues to meet families with passion and interest as well as being involved in the day to day operations of the business. Crissinda continues to further her career with various continuing education courses. She enjoys spending summers at the lake with her husband Jason Black and their children; Bailee-Dawn, Bailey-Anne and Alijah.

Calvin Rowat

Licensed Funeral Director

Calvin graduated from the Alberta School of Mortuary Science in the summer of 1990. He has worked at various funeral homes in Alberta throughout his career and then in 1996 founded Personal Alternative Funeral Services, Alberta. He sold in 2003, and continues to help Alternatives when needed. Calvin is well known for his impeccable embalming skills throughout the industry and his sincere caring for families. We are very fortunate to have him share his skills and mentor Embalmers and Funeral Directors. Calvin is involved with the Masonic Lodge, enjoys travelling and spending time with his family and friends.

Lorne Graham – Currie

Licensed Funeral Director

Lorne was born and summered in Saskatchewan until he was 17. He has practiced his profession in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario. Lorne graduated from Mount Royal College in 2004 and has been a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer since in Alberta and in Ontario (2008). Lorne has 10 plus years experience in his profession and takes great pride in ensuring best value through highest quality service to every family he serves. In his spare time, Lorne likes to read mystery novels and listen to records.

Gordon Miller

Licensed Funeral Director

Gordon has been a Funeral Director with us since 1998. His previous years of being a Pastor and growing up with his father in the Seventh-day Adventist church, as well as his father being instrumental in developing the Canadian Union College in Lacombe, AB, has brought Gordon valuable knowledge, compassion and kindness to the families that he serves. Gordon is married to Edna and together they have 1 daughter. In Gordon’s spare time he is actively involved in the communities of Airdrie, Calgary and Edmonton. Gordon is also a dedicated member of Mason’s and the Eastern Star.

Ceili Loxton McMahaon

Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer

Ceili spent her youth alternating between living on a farm outside of Cochrane and traveling the world with her parents. After working in the not for profit industry for a few years she then entered the Funeral program at Mount Royal University and became a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in 2012. She has worked at various funeral homes in Alberta throughout her career and joined Alternatives Caring team in 2016. Outside of work Ceili enjoys; reading, camping, hiking, running and spending time with her family.

Mitchell Rowat

Mitchell graduated from Our Lady Queen of Peace High School in 2007; he continues to work at the family business on a casual basis with his primary source of employment being the owner of Wildrose Memorials. Mitchell enjoys wakeboarding and snowmobiling and spending time with his partner Tracie and step-son Van.

Richard Siemens

Pre- Planning Representative

Richard Siemens joined our staff in 2016 after spending 20 years as a Baptist pastor and 20 years in business where he held leadership responsibilities for a large furniture manufacturer. He also served as Alderman for the City of Airdrie 18 years. Richard and his wife Carol have been blessed with three daughters and enjoy their 7 grandchildren. Both he and his wife served as foster parents for nearly ten years. The ability to help vulnerable children get a good start in life has been a significant blessing for them. He is involved in his local church and volunteering in places where he can make a difference.